Rourke released, Signed by Atlanta...and released again AND SIGNS WITH BC

[The Zipp]

The tricky situation would have been if VAJ was healthy and they start Rourke over him this week...Dolegala - there is no debate, Rourke needs to start.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Pretty good guess, another option is Calgary. Maybe even Edmonton if Tre Ford doesn't pan out.

Calgary has Bonner in the background, keep expecting Dickie to put him in but he's still unwilling to give anyone other than Maier a chance to play.

[peg_city]

I can't imagine they will be able to afford both Rourke and Adams. That's a million dollars in quarterback spending next season. This season yes. Next season, no.

Also, this signing went from the lions being .500 to now being the best team in the west.

[Blueforlife]

I can't imagine they will be able to afford both Rourke and Adams. That's a million dollars in quarterback spending next season. This season yes. Next season, no.

Also, this signing went from the lions being .500 to now being the best team in the west.

disagree, it will help them a great deal but jury is out if they are king

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I can't imagine they will be able to afford both Rourke and Adams. That's a million dollars in quarterback spending next season. This season yes. Next season, no.

Also, this signing went from the lions being .500 to now being the best team in the west.

I'm not ready to crown them yet. Vernon Adams was also playing at a really high level for most of the season. He was pacing all quarterbacks in most categories over the first two months. How much of an upgrade will Rourke be over that? How will he look after spending a year in the NFL and not playing very much? He's a big name but still largely unproven in the CFL. The Lions can't have a dollar left in cap room. We'll see.

[DCM]

@FarhanLaljiTSN
The hard money in Rourke's deal for 2025 is $749k & 809k in 2026. 200k of that in each year is marketing money which does not count against the salary cap.

Some perspective on his 250k in 2024. I think the #BCLions could reasonably sell another 5k seats for Sunday's game just because of Rourke (they were trending to 29-30k before the announcement). If they do, at $50 per ticket, they'd immediately recover that 250k. In one game.

[markf]

Good to see that Rourke is back.  Doman gets things done.

So he plays. Pretty easy decision based on their qb play last few games.

I think some guys wasted years trying to play in the NFL  without catching on.

How long was Lirim chasing the NFL

[Pigskin]

From farhan

Rourke will make 250k for the balance of the season and will be the highest paid player in @CFL in 2025 & 2026 at somewhere north of 600k. The 2 sides were in contact initially after he was cut by NYG. I don't believe his interest in the #NFL is over though. @CFLonTSN

I would expect the Lions will have to make a roster adjustment to fit $250K into there cap.

[The Zipp]

@FarhanLaljiTSN
The hard money in Rourke's deal for 2025 is $749k & 809k in 2026. 200k of that in each year is marketing money which does not count against the salary cap.

Some perspective on his 250k in 2024. I think the #BCLions could reasonably sell another 5k seats for Sunday's game just because of Rourke (they were trending to 29-30k before the announcement). If they do, at $50 per ticket, they'd immediately recover that 250k. In one game.

What is "marketing money" in this context?

[Blue In BC]

I would expect the Lions will have to make a roster adjustment to fit $250K into there cap.

I agree but wonder where they will make that adjustment. as I mentioned, they may choose to accept a big fine and loss of a draft pick.

However, 2025 will require more adjustments.  IMO there is something wrong with allowing a large amount of marketing money as part of any contract.

The big cities like Vancouver or Toronto have that potential but not the smaller cities like Regina or Winnipeg.

Either way, something has to give even at a $550K SMS hit in 2025.

[Blue In BC]

What is "marketing money" in this context?

They give him a big check for signing autographs and showing up at some nominal meet and greet. His picture will adorn bus and advertising promos.

I have no issue with players getting money for that but $200K is absurd.  Is there a limit to marketing money?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

They give him a big check for signing autographs and showing up at some nominal meet and greet. His picture will adorn bus and advertising promos.

I have no issue with players getting money for that but $200K is absurd.  Is there a limit to marketing money?

I'm good with it if we can do it too. We've got the marketing money to spend!

[Pete]

Someone needs to query Ambrosia on just how the marketing money works.Where are the so called cfl insiders/reporters
(I get other teams have used it, but with Rourke its simply abuse of the intent,)

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Someone needs to query Ambrosia on just how the marketing money works.Where are the so called cfl insiders/reporters
(I get other teams have used it, but with Rourke its simply abuse of the intent,)

I think someone will quote it now that the article is out. I think each team has a certain amount they can spend on player marketing per year, if I remember right. It's definitely not a free for all or anything like that.

[Blue In BC]

I'm good with it if we can do it too. We've got the marketing money to spend!

I think all teams have a few players getting some money for public appearances. The question is whether it creates an unbalanced playing field. That is the opposite of what the SMS is intended to do.  $200K is about 3.5% of the entire normal SMS.

Jefferson must get some money for public appearances. Oliveria as well. I doubt it's $200K. Probably closer to or below $20K?

Whether a team has money to burn is not the question. Not every team is profitable, so removing salary from SMS is a booking advantage for a team that does.

I suggest we re-negotiate Collaros to a $500K marketing bonus and only a $100K SMS contract. Would that be fair or allowed?

The league still has to approve the deal, although I think they will.